Ohio State University New Students
Welcome to Columbus, students! You chose the best school in the best city and you’re sure to have the best four (or more) years of your life! Whether you’ve lived in Columbus your whole life or your new to the city, state or country, there’s so much to know and explore about Columbus! Take it from us – we’re the destination marketing organization responsible for promoting the country’s 14th largest city.
Columbus at a Glance
Exceptional
68% of overnight travelers to Columbus said they were very satisfied with their overall trip experience, according to 2022 visitor research by Longwoods International.
Smart
As the winner of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) first-ever Smart City Challenge, Columbus was awarded $50 million in grant funding and the designation as America's Smart City.
Safe
Columbus is committed to the safety of our residents and visitors. In fact, Safety Ambassadors are available to serve as safety escorts in several neighborhoods, including the Short North and Downtown.
Inclusive
Expedia named Columbus one of the most exciting LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations in the world, and Columbus has continually scored 100s on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index.
Dynamic
Named one of the Best Cities for Gen Z by The New York Times, one of the Top 25 Convention Cities by Meeting Source and one of the Best Weekend Getaways by Midwest Living, Columbus is a top place to visit and live.
Booming
The population of Columbus is growing and thriving, with the city named one of the 10 Best Big Cities to Live in Right Now and a top place to live for millennials by TIME and a Best American City to Work in Tech from Smart Asset.
*Columbus, OH received the highest numerical score among 8 cities in the Midwest in the J.D. Power 2016 Destination Experience Satisfaction Study, based on 26,124 total responses, measuring the experiences and perceptions of travelers who visited a top 50 U.S. destination, surveyed February-July 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
Districts: 5 on High
As you may have figured out before, High Street, running right through campus will take you miles and miles both north and south through a slew of unique and fun-filled neighborhoods waiting for exploration.
Creative Culture
Festivals are Back!
After a two-year hiatus, Columbus is thrilled to welcome back visitors for its full slate of...
Learn moreVisual Arts
Can there ever be too many murals? We say no. On our streets or in our acclaimed museums and...
Performing Arts
Are you moved by ballet, stunned by symphony, or thrilled by theatre? See world-renowned talent in...
Learn moreFashion
Columbus is home to more fashion designers than any U.S. city, outside of New York City and Los...
Learn moreFood Scene
Columbus’ incredible food scene features top-ranked chefs, a rich farm-to-table movement, one-of-a-kind restaurants, and creative takes on classic dishes. From fast-casual to fine-dining, you won’t have a problem finding something to suit every taste in the city that Food & Wine named one of the 32 Places to Go (and Eat) in 2019.
The hustle and bustle of North Market, located in the Arena District, is a must-see. A colorful blend of butchers, grocers, bakers, restaurateurs, and more, the North Market is Central Ohio’s oldest public market. You’re sure to feel the diversity, locality, and vibrancy of Columbus.
Columbus Has No Offseason
Throughout the year, the thrill of pro sports pulses in downtown’s Arena District. Columbus is home to professional sports, nationally recognized collegiate athletic programs and elite annual events, including the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide. The city also often draws premier hosted events, including the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four. Aside from the obvious Ohio State University sports, Columbus is also home to other sporting teams as well providing lots of excitement.
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National Hockey League
The Columbus Blue Jackets have called Columbus home since 2000. Catch a game at Nationwide Arena to hear the fire of the cannon after a Blue...
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Minor League Baseball
Columbus Clippers, Triple-A baseball affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, play at Huntington Park, a multiyear winner of Baseball Digest’s...
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Major League Soccer
Columbus Crew SC plays at MAPFRE Stadium, the nation’s first soccer-specific stadium built by an MLS team. In 2021, Crew SC will move into a...